The second edition of this fascinating collection of traditional metaphors includes over 1500 new entries, as well as more information on first known usages and more ways to find entries. It will appeal to cultural historians, dialectologists, folklorists and language enthusiasts alike.
Metaphors are taken to include a variety of figurative meanings such as similes, proverbs, idioms, slang and catchphrases, though literary metaphors are avoided. The author draws particularly on his extensive contact with the rural cultures of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Dorset and Cornwall. Expressions from Scotland, North America and Australia and other parts of the English-speaking world are also included. The book thus provides an overview of folklore and folk wisdom as reflected in figurative expressions.
Entries are arranged under a highly original scheme following the old cherrystone rhyme 'Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man, beggar-man, thief' with the additional categories 'at home' 'at school and 'at play'. Entries can be found using either the Index of Themes or the Index of Keywords.